Hello eBay community,

My love of green tea started when I arrived in Japan three years ago. Before that I had only tried the tea bag variety- which usually lacked in flavour.

After living in Japan for a while, I noticed how much green tea is a part of  Japanese lifestyle and its incredible health benefits.

I have been studying Japanese Tea Ceremony for 1 year. It is one of the most traditional cultural practices in Japan. I really enjoy studying this unique tradition, and learning about the history, preparation and philosophy behind it.

For information on Japanese green tea, including:

 facts, health benefits, recipes and more please take a look at my website:

www.japan-green-tea.com

I hope this information will your enhance tea-drinking experience.

I have also provided some information on the health benefits. Green Tea is not only great to drink but also full of vitamins and antioxidants.

Please don't forget to look at the recipes and my other items on auction. ENJOY!

WHAT IS GREEN TEA?

• Green tea is a product of the camellia sinensis plant, which is also used to produce black and oolong tea.
•  However, unlike black and oolong tea, green tea is not fermented, and is steamed, baked or pan heated.
• The leaves are then rolled. This process allows the green tea to retain its nutritional value.

WHERE AND HOW IS GREEN TEA CULTIVATED

• Japan has many areas (located in the Southern part of Japan's main island Honshu), which are renowned for tea growing.
•  These include Uji (located in Kyoto),Shizuoka, Aichi, Fukuoka and Saga.
•  Usually tea plantations are located near rivers, where the soil is well-drained. Being exposed to misty condtions,provides the perfect conditoins for tea production.

WHAT IS MATCHA?

• Matcha is the powdered form of green tea.
•  It is made from top-grade tea leaves (known as Gyokuro).
• Unlike other kinds of tea, it is shaded from sunlight with reeds or straw two or three weeks prior to picking. This allows a higher level of theanine to be produced, generating a mild and sweet flavour.
•  After the leaves have been steamed they are dried. The leaves veins and stems are then removed, and then the leaves are ground into a fine powder in a mill.
• Matcha can be dissolved in water, allowing the tea drinker greater nutritional value when compared to other green or black teas.

MATCHA AND THE ORIGINS OF THE JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY

• Matcha is traditionally used in the Japanese tea ceremony which was developed in the 12th century in Japan.
•  The Zen priest Eisai brought back tea seeds from China and planted them in 1191.
• Eisai had observed monks in China drinking green tea as a way to stay alert during mediation.
• He shared this practice with the Japanese monks on his return.Eisai published two books on the health properties of green tea, which also helped to popularise green tea.
• As tea plantations gradually spread during the fifteenth century, the practice of holding tea tournaments or ochaalso spread.
• Tea tournaments were held among the wealthy and warrior class.
• During these tea tournaments many bowls of tea were served, and the object of the tournament was to guess from which province each tea came from. Large bets were placed on being able to determine which place each tea came from.
• The tea ceremony evolved over the centuries, many tea masters contributing to what it is today.
• Sen no Rikyu (1521-1591) is one of the most influential tea masters, and emphasized the spirituality and simplicity of the art of drinking green tea. He developed all the steps in the tea ceremony, and passed on his knowledge to his students.

MATCHA AND THE JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY TODAY

• The philosophy behind the tea ceremony has been shaped by its origins in Zen Buddhism.
• Usually the tea ceremony is held in a simple tea room, simply but elegantly decorated with a Japanese scroll (usually on which a poem is written in Japanese calligraphy).
• There is also usually a flower arrangement. These are usually observed when the guest first enters the tea room.
•  It is the hostsresponsibility to create a calm atmosphere for the guests.
• The guests are usually served some traditional Japanese sweets once the tea ceremony begins, and before the bowl of green tea is served.
• The host then begins preparing the bowl of green tea (matcha) by following a series of steps. The host prepares the tea using graceful movements, and the guest is seated in a way in which he/she can observe and enjoy this process.
• Once the tea has been prepared by the host, it is then offered to the guestsone at a time, and some polite Japanese expressions are exchanged between the host and guests.
• Although there is certain etiquette used during the tea ceremony, the most important thing is to be aware of the host/guestspresence, and enjoy this unique Japanese tradition.

 HEALTH PROPERTIES OF GREEN TEA

Green Tea has historically been attributed to promoting good health, and this has been reiterated in recent years with research findings, indicating that there is a high concentration of ingredients in green tea, which may assist in protecting the body against disease.

These include:

• Polyphenols and antioxidants

Polyphenols are chemicals with powerful antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are said to destroy free radicals, which contribute to aging, illness and disease including cancer.

• Epigallocatechin (EGCG)

EGCG is a strong antioxidant said to be significantly more effective than Vitamin C or Vitamin E in destroying free radicals, which destroy cells in the body and contribute to aging and disease.

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin E

• Vitamin B Complex

• Vitamin A Beta Carotene

• Catechins/Tanine 

ITEMS USED TO PREPARE AND ENJOY MATCHA

CHASEN

The chasen is a bamboo whisk used to make tea in the Japanese tea ceremony. It is very effective in whisking the matcha powder into a frothy texture.

CHAWAN

Chawan is the tea bowl used in the Japanese tea ceremony. There are various kinds of tea bowls, in which the size, design and colour vary. Often different tea bowls are used according to the different seasons.

CHASHAKU 

The chashaku is a bamboo scoop used to measure and put matcha powder into the tea bowl. It is used in the Japanese tea ceremony. It is very useful when preparing a bowl of green tea. The usual measurement is 3 heaped scoops per bowl of tea (this equals 1 level teaspoon).

HOW TO MAKE A BOWL OF GREEN TEA

1. It is usual when drinking a bowl of green tea to have something sweet before drinking the tea. For example, a slice of cake, or a chocolate desert. This balances the bitterness in some matcha.
2. Heat a medium-sized bowl, by pouring some hot water into the bowl, swishing the hot water around and then pouring it out.
3. Dry the bowl, and then add 1 tsp. of green tea into the tea bowl. If possible, use a tea strainer as this will make the powder thinner, and easier to whisk.
4. Then add about 70-80ml of water (at approx. 90 degrees), to the bowl.
5. Begin whisking the tea using a bamboo tea whisk. Use a quick, back and forth wrist movement, until the tea is worked into a froth.
6. Enjoy the tea while it is hot.

    OTHER RECIPES

MATCHA LATTE                                                                                         

1. Mix 1 tsp. of matcha with 3 tablespoons of hot water. Stir briskly, until you have a smooth consistency.
2. Heat 1 cup of milk, (and optionally 1 tsp. of honey) over low heat. Then add the matcha, and stir until well blended.

  MATCHA SHAKE                                                                                                         

1. Add one cup of milk per person into a blender.
2. Add 1 tsp. of matcha to the milk.
3. Add some ice cubes.
4. Add 1 tsp. of honey (if you would like a sweeter flavour)
5. Blend until the matcha has been fully dissolved in the milk.

MATCHA AND BANANA SHAKE           

1. Follow the above steps and add one chopped banana.